The symbolism and tradition of the baianas’ wing

Irreverence and joy are the great mark of Carnival, a party that invades the street and the Sambadrome and makes everyone dance and have fun! When it comes to the parade in the Sambadrome, the show follow a couple of rules like every School has na wing for its front commission, the drums, the old school and the wing of baianas, one of the favorites.

Foto: Ramon Moreira | Bookers International

In 1933, the mayor Pedro Ernesto created through a law decree the wing of baianas in honor to the “baianas of acarajé” that were a symbol of the streets and saint houses during the 20th century. Just na idea of how important the baianas are: samba was born in the house one of them, the famous Tia Ciata.

The wing of baianas honors the carioca’s tradition. At the begining of the century, samba was considered ilegal and baianas like Tia Ciata would produce parties in their backyards where the first samba writers/singers would go to play. Ciata was married to a cop, a fact that would shield her house from the persecution of authorities.

Even nowadays the baianas represent a spiritual and religious force that is always connected to the Schools routine. With time, the aisle of baianas was composed by more experient women from the Schools community. In the past this wing was one of the things to be judged during the parade and even though today it doesn’t count any point to the Schools, the wing is still mandatory.

The baianas are the ones that make the traditional “washing of the Sambadrome” as a mark of pre-Carnival when the technical trials begin. The washing is made with scent water, brooms that are made of herbes, rust leaves and incense. The event also counts on the participation of members linked to different religions, who give blessings to all with songs and prayers, as well as the procession with the image of the patron saint of the city of Rio de Janeiro, São Sebastião.